Unmasking the Plumber: What Was Mario’s Name Before Mario?

The mustachioed, overall-clad hero we know and love as Mario wasn’t always called Mario. Before he was the iconic face of Nintendo, he went by a different moniker, a name that reflected his initial role and limitations in his debut game. The answer? His original name was Jumpman.

The Evolution of an Icon: From Jumpman to Mario

Mario’s journey to becoming a global phenomenon is a fascinating one, filled with name changes, occupation shifts, and a whole lot of pixelated jumping. Understanding his initial identity as Jumpman provides crucial context to appreciating the evolution of one of gaming’s most beloved characters. Let’s delve into the details of how Jumpman transformed into Mario, a name synonymous with video games.

Donkey Kong and the Birth of Jumpman

Our story begins in 1981 with the release of Donkey Kong, a groundbreaking arcade game that pitted a determined carpenter against a giant, barrel-throwing ape. This carpenter, the hero of the story tasked with rescuing the damsel in distress, was initially known as Jumpman. The name was simple, descriptive, and to the point: his primary action in the game was, well, jumping over obstacles.

The name “Jumpman” was a purely functional designation, reflecting the limitations of the technology and design at the time. He wasn’t yet the fully realized character we know today. He was a sprite whose main purpose was to navigate the treacherous construction site created by Donkey Kong. The focus was on gameplay and challenge rather than deep character development.

The Americanization of Jumpman: Enter Mario Segale

As Donkey Kong prepared for its release in the United States, Nintendo of America faced a dilemma: Jumpman wasn’t exactly the most exciting name. Legend has it that the name change came about due to a real-life interruption. Nintendo’s US office was renting space from a landlord named Mario Segale. When rent was overdue, Segale confronted the team, and in a moment of inspiration, they decided to christen their hero “Mario” in his honor.

This story, while widely accepted, is a testament to the pragmatic and often serendipitous nature of game development. It highlights the importance of localization and adapting to cultural nuances when introducing a product to a new market. The name “Mario” was arguably more relatable and memorable for American audiences than the generic “Jumpman”.

From Carpenter to Plumber: A Change in Profession

While the name change was significant, it wasn’t the only transformation Mario underwent. Initially conceived as a carpenter in Donkey Kong, he later transitioned to the role of a plumber. This shift in profession coincided with the development of Mario Bros., a game that featured Mario alongside his brother Luigi navigating the sewers of New York City.

The change from carpenter to plumber was likely driven by the game’s setting and gameplay mechanics. The sewers provided a more interesting and varied environment for platforming challenges, and the plumber persona suited the underground setting perfectly. This marked a significant step in shaping Mario’s identity and solidifying his place in gaming history.

Early Japanese Names and the Evolution of the Character

Before Jumpman, the character had even earlier, less formal names within Nintendo’s Japanese development team. He was sometimes referred to as “Ossan” (Japanese for “middle-aged guy”) and “Mr. Video”, showcasing the initial, rough conceptualization of the character. These names reveal the internal brainstorming and creative process that led to the eventual creation of Jumpman and, subsequently, Mario.

These early names, while informal, offer a glimpse into the character’s initial design and purpose. “Ossan” reflects the character’s age and physique, while “Mr. Video” suggests a broader ambition for the character as a potential mascot for Nintendo’s video game endeavors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mario’s Names and History

Here are some frequently asked questions to further explore the history and evolution of our favorite plumber:

1. What were Mario’s other proposed names before Mario? While “Jumpman” is the most widely known original name, the article mentioned early names in Japan of “Ossan” and “Mr. Video” during development.

2. Why was Mario called Jumpman in Donkey Kong? Because his primary action in the game was jumping over obstacles. It was a purely functional name describing his gameplay mechanic.

3. Is Jumpman considered a separate character from Mario? No. Jumpman is the original name for the character that later became known as Mario. In canon, they are the same character.

4. Was Luigi also called Jumpman? No, Luigi didn’t exist yet at the time of Donkey Kong. He was introduced later in Mario Bros.

5. Did Mario Segale ever receive royalties for the use of his name? There is no public record of Mario Segale receiving royalties for the use of his name. It was reportedly an informal agreement.

6. What is Mario’s full name? According to Shigeru Miyamoto, Mario’s full name is Mario Mario.

7. Is Luigi’s full name Luigi Mario? Yes, by extension, Luigi’s full name is Luigi Mario.

8. Why did Mario transition from being a carpenter to a plumber? The shift coincided with the development of Mario Bros., which featured a sewer setting, making the plumber persona more fitting.

9. Is Pauline still considered Mario’s girlfriend? No, Princess Peach is considered Mario’s primary love interest in the core series of games. Pauline reappeared in later games, but her romantic link with Mario has been largely retconned.

10. Is there any connection between Mario and Wario? Wario is a childhood rival, not related by blood, even though both have similar appearance.

11. What ethnicity is Mario? Mario is portrayed as having Italian roots, however, this has since been retconned and Mario is now a native of the Mushroom Kingdom.

12. How old is Mario? The ages of all the characters in the Super Mario Bros. franchise have remained a mystery since 1985.

13. Did Shigeru Miyamoto also create Luigi? Yes, Shigeru Miyamoto also created Luigi.

14. Are Mario and Luigi twins? Yes, Mario & Luigi are twins. Mario is the older twin.

15. How has the Super Mario franchise impacted education? The Super Mario franchise has demonstrated its impact and influence across many areas of learning for learners of all ages. You can find extensive information on the GamesLearningSociety.org website.

By understanding the origins of Mario as Jumpman, we gain a deeper appreciation for the creative process and cultural influences that shaped one of gaming’s most enduring icons.